Position Objective and Job Summary

The Leadership Annual Gift Officer is a front-line fundraiser and is part of an experienced fundraising team that generates philanthropic support for the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, the largest school at the University of Virginia.  The Leadership Annual Gift Officer reports to the Director of Development.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The Leadership Annual Gift Officer will identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward leadership annual fund donors ($2,500+ annually), specifically targeting donors capable of multi-year, unrestricted pledge commitments. The incumbent will manage a dynamic portfolio and will assist in efforts to renew and solicit increased annual gifts from alumni, parents, and friends across various geographic regions.

The successful candidate will have demonstrated success in fundraising or a related field and have confidence in asking for 4-and-5-figure gifts and pledges. This position works collaboratively with colleagues at the College Foundation and across the University to achieve the College of Arts & Sciences’ annual and long-range fundraising priorities. The position may also involve managing volunteer boards comprised of alumni, parents, and friends whose aim is to increase leadership annual giving.

The successful candidate will possess a high degree of initiative and flexibility and will have the skills to articulate evolving fundraising initiatives. The successful candidate will exhibit strong personal integrity and have the ability to maintain focus on longer range objectives while attending to immediate details.  Experience using data to evaluate and plan is essential.  The successful candidate must be able to communicate effectively and skillfully, with an appreciation for the mission, culture, and vision of the College and the University.

This position is based in the College Foundation’s Charlottesville office which is currently operating under a hybrid work model.   This is not a fully remote position.   Successful execution of this role may include moderate travel away from Charlottesville, almost exclusively within driving distances and rarely requiring more than one night away for any particular trip.

 Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree is required.
• Minimal level of relevant experience: Consideration may be given to candidates with experience in a position with transferable skills. Preference may be given for fundraising experience that includes leadership annual gift responsibilities.
• Results-driven professional who can successfully manage complex relationships.
• Highly organized individual with excellent written and oral skills who can work effectively with various stakeholders.
• Active collaborator who enjoys working with people.
• Strategic thinker with demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Enthusiastic advocate for the positive impact of higher education upon the individual and the community at large.
• This position requires knowledge of basic computer skills and programs, including Microsoft Office, Word, and Excel.

Working Conditions: 

• The ability to travel is required.  Typical travel involves travel via automobile approximately 1-5 days per month, which varies seasonally.
• Some evening and weekend work is required.

Physical Requirements:

• General fast-paced office environment

Compensation:

• Final salary offer amounts are determined by multiple factors including candidate experience and expertise.

Direct Reports:

• None